Ok, we all know how durable and tough Carhartt jackets are as workwear.
But are they really good enough to keep us warm in winter?
Let’s look at all the details feasibly like we did in our previous post when talking about Carhartt jackets sizing and fit.
Here’s The Answer Of How Warm The Carhartt Jackets Are?
Yes, Carhartt jackets are warm but the quality of warmth varies according to thickness, fabric, and insulation used.
When we look at the Carhartt as a workwear jacket then absolutely they will keep you warm either with heavy layering or in some style without bulking up with too many layers.
But, if you’re inclining toward jackets from this brand because you wanna get the warmth of Patagonia, The North Face, or Arcteryx then the Carhartt will regret you.
Because the focus of this brand is to provide warm enough jackets for the outside workers to provide enough room and ease of movement while working with construction tools in cold temperatures.
Read Also: Do Carhartt Jackets Run Big?
Carhartt Jackets Technology Explained (Warmth-Wise)
To keep their workwear jackets warm Carhartt uses multiple ways or tech to provide warmth demanded in different situations.
Thus, you can not just pick any Carhartt jacket and expect it to perform best in every given situation.
So for this, here I am explaining the insulation that the brand use in their jackets so that you can pick what best suits your needs.
Let’s dive into it…
100g Polyester Insulation
In jackets of style such as 102208 and 104314, you can see that they feature 100g polyester insulation.
FYI, polyester insulation is made up of recycled plastic and contains PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) fiber which is commonly used in clothing or bedding because it consumes less energy and has reduced environmental impact, in a word it’s ‘somewhat sustainable’.
If you’re going for Carhartt jackets that are insulated with 100g polyester then it simply means, it will keep you warm in mildly cold temperatures.
3M Thinsulate
Seen in style no. 104050 and 104053.
There are many types of 3M Thinsulate but we’ll only talk about the Featherless because it is what the Carhartt uses in their insulated jackets.
3M Featherless can be understood as a synthetic alternative to the real feathers or down. However, it can not compete for the real down in terms of warmth but it’ll retain better warmth than the down jackets when both get wet.
Because as you know down loses the insulation capabilities when gets wet.
In this also, there are ranges in which Thinsulate insulation can come, and literally, the number of grams will determine how well the Thinsulate performs.
So, it is 80g of 3M Thinsulate Featherless that is used in certain Carhartt jackets where you can expect it to keep you warm in temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thinsulate is better at trapping and retaining warmth only because of the quilted design.
Sherpa Lining
Let’s get a little background of sherpa lining.
It is a curly piled fabric structure made of synthetic yarns like acrylic or polyester[Source].
A very helpful fabric in jackets and winter wear to resemble wool or sheepskin on the pilled side.
Even though it is part of the fleece family, but due to some special characteristics, it may also be warmer and softer than a fleece blanket.
So if you see the term ‘sherpa lining’ in any Carhartt jacket then you can be assured that it will keep you warm in above mild cold temperatures.
Because, of the Carhartt sizing, you can even add your desired layers if the body demands a much warmer jacket.
Blanket Lining
Seen in styles such as 103825.
The styles with blanket lining are best to wear for active work in colder temperatures.
You need to understand what I just meant by the word ‘active work’.
It simply means that a blanket lining will keep you warm if you’re actively working in cold temperatures. If not, then such a Carhartt jacket is only good for the mild cold.
Though, the ability can be much enhanced when supporting it with layers.
Thermal Polyester Lining
Carhartt thermal lining uses 100% polyester weave and is as thick as a flannel shirt.
It will not be a mistake to say it is the ‘thinnest Carhartt insulation’.
This simply means that you can not just rely on it for the colder temperature to keep you warm.
Because it is intended to use as a 3-season jacket or as a mid-layer in winters.
That’s why don’t expect anything higher.
Arctic Insulation (Best Insulation By Carhartt)
Before describing this insulation, I would say most people don’t need to buy it if you normally work in temperatures that are not extremely cold because these jackets get warm.
FYI, arctic insulation is the warmest insulation the Carhartt provides.
Watch this video where a guy is wearing the Carhartt C03 arctic insulated jacket and feels like sweating at 30 degrees Fahrenheit
It’s a nylon taffeta lining quilted to heavy, high-lofted polyester insulation which makes it the Carhartt thickest lining that exists.
Either you can use the table mentioned in the next section to find the arctic insulated jackets or you can find it by looking into the jacket’s features.
If you’re someone who works in really freezing temperatures then just go for these heavyweight jackets and you’ll not regret it.
List Of Carhartt Jackets That Are Warm Enough:
Men’s
| Jacket Name & Style No. | Insulation Used | How Warm In Real Life? |
| Rain Defender 102208 | 100g polyester | Keep you warm on cold nights |
| Sherpa-Lined 104392 | Sherpa lining and quilted nylon | It Will be warmer than your fleece blanket |
| Insulated Active Jac 104050 | 80g 3M Thinsulate | It Will be warm around 20F |
| Blanket-Lined Chore Coat 103825 | Blanket lining | Mild warm |
| Washed Duck Insulated Collar Vest 104395 | The Arctic weight polyester | It Will keep you warm in negative northern American temperature |
| Quilt-Lined Coat C003 | Arctic weight polyester | Ultimate warmth that Carhartt offers. |
| Thermal-Lined Active Jac J131 | Thermal polyester lining | Not much warm but warm enough for 3 season work |
Women’s
| Jacket Name & Style No. | Insulation type | How warm is it? |
| Sherpa-Lined Jacket 104292 | Sherpa lining | Warmer than a fleece blanket |
| Insulated Active Jac 104053 | 80g 3M Thinsulate | It will be warm around 20F |
| Mock Neck Vest 104224 | Sherpa lining | Warmer than a fleece blanket |
| Full Swing 102248 | Sherpa lining | Warmer than a fleece blanket meaning it is mildly warm |
| Rain Defender 104314 | 100g polyester | Warm enough for cold winter nights |
| Rain Defender Mock-Neck Vest 104315 | 100g polyester | Warm enough for cold winter nights |
Will Carhartt Remain Warm While Working In Cold?
We have to understand that jackets or any winter clothing are not solely responsible for keeping us warm. Because there are other factors involved such as the wind chill, the surrounding temperature, your core body temperature, and above all how you react to the cold.
Many folks have no issues getting cold while others fall prey to cold more quickly.
So which category do you fall into?
Though, in an overall sense, an average person will remain warm in Carhartt jackets while working because the body is continuously generating heat as a side effect of physical activity that serves as an add-on to the insulating power of the jacket.
Michael is heavily inclined towards traveling to natural places and documenting cultures/people from different parts of the world. He also loves hiking and camping and is spirited toward all outdoor activities. He will share his passion for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our homes. He has good research skills, and that’s why you can see why his articles are packed with info that is factual and not readily available. He also has the vision to travel the whole world and share it with all readers of Outdoor Favor.